At Daingerfield State Park, visitors are surrounded by trees. Pines and hardwoods thrive here, and the forest puts on colorful displays every spring and fall.

The Civilian Conservation Corps built this Northeast Texas park in the 1930s and created an 80-acre lake as the park’s centerpiece. The 2.5-mile Rustling Leaves Trail circumnavigates the lake, taking hikers through the park’s “Cathedral of Trees.” Trees over 100 feet tall tower over the spring-fed lake.

“It’s a really pretty trail,” says park staffer Cassie Reagh. “Very scenic. Very beautiful. It has tall pines trees and nice lake views. There’s wildlife you’ll see. It’s very peaceful.”

In springtime, take note of the natural bouquet and colorful blooms of purple wisteria, honeysuckle, white dogwoods and redbuds. In autumn, the sweetgums, oaks and maples produce colorful fall foliage. Keep an eye out for pileated woodpeckers and other birds and wildlife.

The trail forms a loop around the lake and may be taken in either direction. On the south side of the lake, a small peninsula juts into the water and offers a different view of the park. There’s a picnic area there. On the west, a bridge and CCC dam provide a good place to watch for wildlife.